THE NEW MILLENNIUM (PART 2)

"STRESSING HOLINESS"

Once the Jubilee is over, we resume our normal path, but knowing that stressing holiness remains more than ever an urgent pastoral task. (30)

"SAFE IN THE HANDS OF CHRIST"

We do not know what the new millennium has in store for us, but we are certain that it is safe in the hands of Christ ...; and precisely by celebrating His Passover not just once a year but every Sunday, the Church will continue to show to every generation "the true fulcrum of history, to which the mystery of the world's origin and its final destiny leads" (Dies Domini). (35)

"AN ENCOURAGING MESSAGE"

The Jubilee Year, which has been particularly marked by a return to the Sacrament of Penance, has given us an encouraging message, which should not be ignored: if many people, and among them also many young people have benefited from approaching this Sacrament, it is probably necessary that Pastors should arm themselves with more confidence, creativity and perseverance in presenting it and leading people to appreciate it. (37)

"SERVANTS OF THE WORD"

To nourish ourselves with the word in order to be "servants of the word" in the work of evangelization: this is surely a priority for the Church at the dawn of the new millennium. (40)

"THE GREAT CHALLENGE"

To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium which is now beginning, if we wish to be faithful to God's plan and respond to the world's deepest yearnings. (43)

"ACTIVE RESPONSIBILITY"

The Church of the Third Millennium will need to encourage all the baptized and confirmed to be aware of their active responsibility in the Church's life. Together with the ordained ministry, other ministries ... can flourish for the good of the whole community, sustaining it in its many needs ... (46)

"PASTORAL CARE OF THE FAMILY"

At a time in history like the present, special attention must also be given to the pastoral care of the family, particularly when this fundamental institution is experiencing a radical and widespread crisis. (47)

"CHARITY TOWARDS THE POOREST"

The century and the new millennium now beginning will need to see, and hopefully with still greater clarity, to what length of dedication the Christian community can go in charity towards the poorest. (49)

(Source: Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, issued January 6, 20001)